Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff Push: How the Bucs Still Control the NFC South After Week 15 Chaos

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season tied atop the NFC South after a chaotic Week 15 that saw them lose a heartbreaker to the Atlanta Falcons, only to regain first place when the Carolina Panthers fell to the Saints. Despite blowing a two-touchdown fourth-quarter lead on Thursday Night Football, the Bucs still control their destiny with three games remaining and need just two wins to secure a fifth straight NFC South title. With critical matchups against Carolina and Miami ahead, Tampa Bay’s path to the playoffs is clear, but the margin for error is razor thin.The return of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan provided a major boost for the Buccaneers offense, as Evans posted 132 receiving yards in his first game back and immediately changed how defenses played Tampa Bay. Along with strong contributions from Baker Mayfield, Sean Tucker, and rookie Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs showed signs of life despite the loss. As the NFC playoff picture continues to shift weekly, Tampa Bay’s experience, star power, and control of key tiebreakers keep them firmly in the playoff hunt heading into a season-defining showdown with the Panthers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices